CBSE has released a draft policy for board exams that is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. According to it, from 2026, Class 10th and 12th students will get the chance to take the boards twice a year. This will offer them increased flexibility and improvement opportunities.
CBSE Dual Board Exams: What do we Know?
CBSE has made the draft policy on the dual exam proposal available in the public domain for review. The Board will accept responses and suggestions related to it from all schools, teachers, parents, students, and the public until March 9, 2025.
The dual exam policy will reduce the pressure on the students to give their best performance in one go as they’ll have a second chance to improve. Students dissatisfied with their performance in the first session can retake the exams in the second session to achieve better scores. Moreover, this method will focus on assessing core competencies and understanding rather than rote memorization. This will further promote a more comprehensive learning experience.
CBSE Dual Board Exams Dates
According to the draft scheme released by CBSE, the first phase of the Class 10 board exams will be conducted from February 17 to March 6, 2026. The second phase will be scheduled from May 5 to May 20, 2026. The exams will cover the complete syllabus to ensure that students have a well-rounded understanding of all subjects. The dates are carefully planned to provide the examinees with sufficient time to prepare and improve on their weaknesses.
Which Marks Will Be Considered?
If a student is satisfied with their performance in the first phase (February-March), they need not appear in the second phase. The marks they get in this phase will be considered final. However, if they want to improve their scores, they can appear in the second phase (May). In this case, the higher marks obtained between the two attempts will be considered for the final result.
Conclusion
Within the dual exam system, students aren’t penalized for attempting to improve their performance. In fact, it promotes a learning environment that focuses on mastery and understanding. It's important to note that despite the flexibility that the policy provides, students should plan their preparation strategically. The decision to appear in one or both sessions should be based on their confidence in different subjects and readiness to take the exams.
By providing multiple opportunities to succeed, CBSE aims to alleviate exam-related stress and promote a deeper understanding of subjects among students. This flexible approach empowers students to perform at their best without the fear of one tough exam deciding their future. With a focus on competency-based learning, the new system encourages holistic development and better academic outcomes.
